The 2013 CrossFit Open kicked off with the first WOD (Workout of the Day) announced on March 6th. For a lot of people, this is a big deal. For most people, they have no idea what this means.

The CrossFit Open is the first stage in the ultimate goal of crowning the "Fittest Man and Woman on Earth." This is done by allowing individuals from around the world the opportunity to register and complete a series of five work outs, announced every Wednesday night, for five weeks. Athletes register for $20 and have the opportunity to complete the work out at a CrossFit affiliated gym and submit their scores online. If folks do not live near an affiliate, they are able to simply video record themselves doing the work out and submit a video.

The world is broken down into regions. The top 30 men and top 30 women in each region from the five Open work outs are invited to compete in Regionals. The top 3 men and top 3 women from each region then are invited to compete at the CrossFit Games in California. You may have seen this on ESPN.

This will be my second year competing in the Open. Last year, with a full four weeks of CrossFit under my belt, I signed up not realizing what I was really signing up for. I have no intention making making it to the CrossFit Games or even Regionals, so why would I sign up?

I think that it is imperative for us to take a step back every once in awhile and test fitness. Every day training is typically for the purpose of building fitness. We need to measure our results. Expose weaknesses. Create new goals.

The first work out was a combination of two work outs from last year. The snatch (an Olympic Weightlifting movement) ladder last year comprised of 30 reps x 75 lbs, 30 reps x 135 lbs, 30 reps x 165 lbs and as many reps as possible at 210 lbs. I was not at a point last year where I was able to snatch 135 lbs. This year, after 70 burpees and 30 snatches at 75 lbs, I was able to snatch 135 for six reps before the time limit ran out. I would call that a success. It is gratifying doing something that a year ago your body was not able to do.

I am excited to see how I can make gains in other areas this year. The work outs are sure to be intense and test our physical capabilities. If I can show improvement or perhaps set a new PR, that is a victory in these games for me.

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I am passionate and write about personal development, leadership, education and healthy lifestyles. I work in higher education and I am committed to being an outstanding mentor and professional in my field.